The Italy international convinced Rodgers he was a risk worth taking during face-to-face talks on Friday, completed his medical on Saturday and is due to return from Italy on Monday to sign a three-year contract worth a basic £80,000 a week.

Lucas Leiva Leaving for Napoli

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Reports over the weekend emanating from Italy claim Liverpool have agreed a deal with Napoli that will see midfielder Lucas Leiva join them on loan for the season with a view to a permanent move.

According to Sport Mediaset (h/t Football Italia), Napoli will pay €2 million to take the Brazilian midfielder on loan for the season, with an option to buy for a further €10 million in July 2015.

Borini Only Wants Sunderland on Loan

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Scott Heppell/Associated Press

Fabio Borini's protracted move to Sunderland could still go ahead, but only on loan, according to the Daily Mirror.

"Borini has stalled as he does not want to give up on his Kop career, but is now willing to make the switch for the season," the paper claims.

Borini spent last season on loan at the Black Cats, where he scored 10 goals.

"I think we're getting close to a final decision either way because it's been a bit too long," Sunderland boss Gus Poyet told Sky Sportsafter their 1-1 draw with Manchester United on Sunday. "It's time now that it's a yes coming or a no, as we need to move on."